Be a Santa's Helper

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10:36 AM.

Non-perishable items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Shelter House administration office, 102 Buck Drive in Fort Walton Beach, Perishable items, especially turkeys and hams, need to be delivered Dec. 19 only. Call 243-1201.

Bikes for Tots Foundation

Miramar Beach resident Bill MacBride, with a desire to give back to the community, created the Bikes for Tots Foundation, a non profit organization that’s raising money to purchase new bikes for needy children this holiday season. Robin’s Bikes and Fitness in Miramar Beach is also a partner.

Donations are being collected at Robin’s Bikes and Fitness, 11166 Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach or online at www.bikesfortotsfoundation.com. An $80 donation will cover the cost of an entire bike, but donations in any amount are appreciated.

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 20 and 100 percent of funds raised will be used to purchase bikes for underprivileged children in our area.

People are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15 or more and in exchange guests can play Sandestin’s golf courses for just the green and golf car fee, $20 Dec. 8 and 9. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will offer golf at all three of its public courses, Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club and Links Golf Club. All toys and donations will be given to Children in Crisis programs, benefiting children and families in need this holiday season. Local residents, guests and visitors are welcome to participate. Tee times are available all day and can be made at 267-8155.

Teen Team

Coastal Library “Teen Team” (young adult group) will collect new and gently used coats for South Walton families. Please bring your donations into the Coastal Library through Dec. 17. Caring and Sharing of South Walton County in Santa Rosa Beach will distribute all donations to families. For more information on the coat drive or to join Coastal Library “Teen Team”, call group leader Shirles Johnson at 850-267-2809 or visit the Coastal Library, 437 Greenway Trail.

Santa Patrol

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Santa Patrol, a program in which the community donates toys and money to purchase gifts for local needy children, is in its 15th season and going strong.

Sgt. Danny Garner says that they are accepting new/unopened toys for stockings for donations, as well as money. Checks will be accepted and should be made out to Walmart and “Santa Patrol” written in the note at the bottom of the check.

To donate, call Garner at 850-892-8186.

Angel Tree at Silver Sands

Visit the “Families First Angel Tree” through Dec. 12 at Charity Gift Wrap at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. A description of each child and gift suggestions will be available. Wrapped gifts must be returned to Charity Gift Wrap no later than Wednesday, Dec. 12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Angel Tree

The South Walton Fire District will sponsor the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree to benefit children from ages 1 month to 12 years who live in Walton County. More than 300 angel names are expected to be available.

Angels are ready for selection from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Station 3/Headquarters, 911 North CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach. Gifts must be returned by Dec. 15, either wrapped or unwrapped, but preferably in a gift bag. To schedule a time to select an angel name, call 267-1298 or email rlund@swfd.org.

Gifts may be returned to Station 3/Headquarters before Dec. 14, either wrapped or unwrapped, but preferably in a gift bag. For more information or to schedule a special time to select an angel name, call Robbie Lund, administrative assistant at Station 3/Headquarters, 850-267-1298, email rlund@swfd.org or visit www.swfd.org.

The Walton County Tax Collector’s Office will have an angel tree to supply Christmas gifts for FamilesFirst Network and area foster children.

Angel trees are in the lobbies of both the DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach offices. Area individuals wishing to participate are encouraged to come by the office to select an angel.

The wrapped gifts are due back to the Tax Collector’s Office by Dec. 14. Gift cards to area stores are being accepted by FamiliesFirst Network to fulfill teen gift requests and to address last minute needs that arise. Call 892-8121.

Non-perishable items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Shelter House administration office, 102 Buck Drive in Fort Walton Beach, Perishable items, especially turkeys and hams, need to be delivered Dec. 19 only. Call 243-1201.

Bikes for Tots Foundation

Miramar Beach resident Bill MacBride, with a desire to give back to the community, created the Bikes for Tots Foundation, a non profit organization that’s raising money to purchase new bikes for needy children this holiday season. Robin’s Bikes and Fitness in Miramar Beach is also a partner.

Donations are being collected at Robin’s Bikes and Fitness, 11166 Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach or online at www.bikesfortotsfoundation.com. An $80 donation will cover the cost of an entire bike, but donations in any amount are appreciated.

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 20 and 100 percent of funds raised will be used to purchase bikes for underprivileged children in our area.